One Oregon homeowner hopes to save big by going all-in on a solar-powered electric lifestyle.
Here's what to know
In a post on Reddit's r/solar, the homeowner said they were installing a 19-kilowatt rooftop solar system that can cover about 85% of their household electricity needs, including heating and charging two EVs.
The homeowner estimated the setup should save them about $11,000 per year.
Elsewhere in the thread, the original poster clarified that the $34,000 solar project was paid for outright, not with a lease or loan.
"Cash purchase, not a lease," they wrote in an update, adding that they had received a $7,500 rebate from Energy Trust of Oregon.
Commenters largely focused on the price, with several saying the overall cost looked unusually low for a professionally installed system of that capacity.
"Very good price for a professional installation," wrote one.
"My cousin paid almost double for same size in California last year," chimed in another.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
For many households, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, especially if it can also support electrified heating and EV charging. Homeowners who want to see whether a setup like this makes sense can check out EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
More background
The OP has sought to maximize the cost-saving benefits of their solar setup by pairing it with electric vehicles, heating, and appliances. By doing so, the OP has also insulated their household against volatile gas and oil prices.
In response to commenter questions, the OP added an edit explaining that their new-build house made the job relatively easy. They also explained that their equipment includes Enphase microinverters and SEG panels, and that the local utility allows net metering.
Homeowners who are still shopping for solar can use EnergySage to curate competitive bids from local installers. With EnergySage, you won't be bombarded with phone calls after simply obtaining a quote because installers don't get your contact information unless and until you decide to move forward.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
EnergySage's comparison shopping can make a big difference in price. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. EnergySage's solar map also shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on solar panel incentives for each state. Together, these EnergySage features help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels while accessing available incentives.
Readers interested in pairing panels with backup power can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
As for the OP, one commenter pointed out a missing piece in their system.
"You need batteries," the commenter wrote.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
